MSU Extension hires new ag communications head

An experienced communications professional and administrator recently joined the Mississippi State University Extension Service.

Elizabeth Gregory North became the department head for MSU’s Office of Agricultural Communications Feb 1.

North began her career as a publications editor for the Alabama Cooperative Extension Service at Auburn University. She then moved to Texas A&M as an assistant professor and communications specialist.

Eventually, she became the interim director of communications and marketing for Texas A&M AgriLife, formerly Texas Cooperative Extension. She served as communications leader for the strategic positioning initiative for Texas A&M AgriLife.

In 2011, North founded the strategic communications consultancy Cynosura Communications. She recently led the development of the national Extension Service branding initiative for the Extension Committee on Organization and Policy.

“North’s demonstrated success as an award-winning communications professional and national leader in land-grant communications and branding campaigns gives her the practical skills to spread the word about the MSU Extension Service,” said Gary Jackson, Extension director. “She has a reputation for creativity, strong leadership and strategic planning, in addition to a career history of promoting land-grant universities.”

North is a contributor to and member of national marketing leadership groups, including the eXtension Brand Value Community of Practice and the Association for Communications Excellence. She is frequently invited to deliver presentations and training sessions at regional and national conferences.

She is a member of the American Marketing Association, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education and the Association for Communications Excellence.

North received her bachelor’s degree from Auburn University and her master’s degree from the University of Rochester. She is a doctoral candidate at Texas A&M.